Kolkata Cardiologist Gives Rs 500 Discount To Each Patient Who Says ‘Jai Shri Ram’

Last Updated:April 14, 2026, 17:55 IST

The offer was made by senior interventional cardiologist Dr Prakash Kumar Hazra, who shared the proposal on Sunday afternoon

A city-based cardiologist in Kolkata has sparked debate after offering a Rs 500 discount on consultation fees to patients who say “Jai Shri Ram" at his private clinic.

Three cardiac patients availed of the discount on Monday, a day after the offer was publicly announced.

The offer was made by senior interventional cardiologist Dr Prakash Kumar Hazra, who shared the proposal on Sunday afternoon, complete with a QR code for payments.

Hazra confirmed issuing the discount and said the gesture was meant to help patients rather than exclude anyone.

“I am inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party. ‘Jai Shri Ram’ is not a religious slogan; it is a political slogan," Hazra said, defending his decision. “I have every right to hold a political view."

Drawing parallels with Bengal’s political and medical history, Hazra cited Bidhan Chandra Roy, the legendary physician and former chief minister of West Bengal, noting that doctors have long been associated with political ideologies.

“There are doctors affiliated with the Left who say ‘Lal Salaam’. Why can’t I say ‘Jai Shri Ram’?" he asked, adding that while the current state government has done some good work, he believes Bengal needs a better alternative.

Hazra, an alumnus of Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, has been practising cardiology for nearly three decades.

He said that on average he treats around 40 patients a day, nearly half of whom he consults free of charge. “If there was no discrimination then, why should this be seen as discriminatory?" he said.

Clarifying the scope of the offer, Hazra said the discount applies only to patients visiting his private clinic and not to hospital consultations. He currently serves as director of interventional cardiology at Manipal Hospital.

The cardiologist has performed over 10,000 radial angiographies and more than 2,500 coronary angioplasty and pacemaker implantation procedures.

He also said he has reduced his consultation fee from ₹2,000 to ₹1,000 in recent months, arguing that affordability remains a key concern for many patients.

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